Dana has collaborated with renowned writers such as Tom Kimmel, Sally Barris, Kim Carnes and Don Henry and has been invited to participate in songwriting workshops from Belfast to Copenhagen to Austin.

Here’s what Dana has to say about his workshop … “A writer must write. Simple enough. As different as each writer is from another, so differ their circumstances, work habits good and bad, time restraints, inspirations and aspirations. As writers most of us face times of creative block up, self – doubt or plain uncertainty of where to start. In this workshop we will explore the play and the work of writing, how to create and sustain an environment of inspiration, and we will examine practices to develop more effective work habits”.

Part 1: Dana will introduce himself and briefly outline his writing career as it relates to the creative process and topics at hand. Participants will introduce themselves and share, if willing, their reasons for choosing the workshop and what they hope to gain from it. All will be encouraged to share briefly their own experiences with the creative process. Dana will share ideas and practices that help him create and sustain an environment and lifestyle which nurture his development as a writer and artist. Students will have an opportunity to respond, comment and ask questions.

Part 2: A series of word play and writing exercises will be employed to stimulate and capture creative ideas for possible further development into a song. Emphasis is on having fun as a writer, listening to the creative voice within and ignoring the inner editor. Students can share and discuss their results as they are willing. Dana will then suggest an exercise establishing a simple song structure and utilizing effective work methods. Some attention will be paid to negotiating with the inner editor while retaining the original voice of inspiration. Completed songs may be shared and evaluated. Efficiency of process and not quality is the concern here.

Part 3: A round of discussion will continue after the previous exercise and Dana will share more thoughts on his creative process, inspirational and practical. Ample time should be available for specific questions and answers. Participants should bring a song for critique, a notebook and pen or pencil. They can either perform the song or bring it on CD. They should also bring enough copies of the lyrics for all the attendees if possible.

Here’s what Casey has to say about his workshop … “If you’ve ever looked at a chord book with thousands of chords it can be very disheartening. The notion that you need to memorize all those chords, and in all those keys can be discouraging to say the least.

While it is true that the guitar is a very complicated instrument with thousands of possible chord combinations, it is also true that there is a simple way to “view’ or look at it so you can move forward in your practice from a firm and manageable foundation. It’s called CAGED theory and it is a fabulous short cut to understanding how it’s all laid out upon the guitar neck.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

1. How chords and scales are built, (ultra basic music theory as applied to guitar).
2. Why chords are located where they are on the neck of the guitar.
3. How thousands of chords always relate back to 5 simple chords that you already know.
4. How to play up and down the neck, in any key, and recognize where you are.
5. How to correctly practice to obtain essential finger independence for scales and chords.

I’ve met plenty of pickers who’ve played for many years, in fact decades, that still don’t understand this simple truth and fail to move forward in their understanding simply because no one ever showed them the secret. Of course, you still have to do the work and get your fingers and hands to dial into playing, but without this fundamental understanding you’ll just be memorizing riffs or songs. You won’t be able to jam or play in any position on the neck. Understanding CAGED theory will get you there pronto.

This workshop is for intermediate players who know how to barre chord and/or those who are serious about learning to play all over the neck, not just down at the nut. I guarantee you will have a big “Ahhh – I get it – light bulb goes on – epiphany” moment by the end of the session”, (read more about Casey here).

*Casey is offering a Workshop & Concert Combo Package for $70. Attend the workshop and see Casey in concert Friday, May 4th. You can find concert information here.

Members of Indie Air Radio receive a 20% discount and pay $56. Membership information can be found here.

THE DISCOUNT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE APPLIED AT CHECKOUT IF YOU HAVE BOTH ITEMS IN YOUR CART.